You know those nights when you want dinner to feel a little fancy but you also have, oh, 30 minutes before everyone gets hangry? This Creamy Tuscan-Style Chicken is your new dinnertime hero. Think juicy, golden-seared chicken simmered in a silky Parmesan cream sauce loaded with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Basically, it’s Italy in a skillet — minus the airfare.
And yes, this is one of those Weekly Recipe Ideas you’ll keep coming back to. It’s easy enough for a Tuesday night but impressive enough to serve when you want to wow guests (hello, Wedding Dinners Simple vibes).
What Makes This Recipe So Irresistible
Let’s be real: chicken breast can get boring if it’s not cooked right. But this dish? Total game-changer. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Flavor overload. The creamy sauce with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, earthy spinach, and nutty Parmesan clings to every bite.
- Fast and simple. From fridge to table in 30 minutes. Perfect for when you need Healthy Saucy Chicken Recipes that don’t eat up your whole night.
- One pan wonder. No mountain of dishes afterward. Just one skillet, and you’re done.
- Crowd-pleaser. Great for picky eaters and date nights alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this gorgeous Tuscan Chicken Breast dish — with quick notes so you know why each one matters:
- Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and sliced into thin cutlets so they cook quickly and evenly.
- Salt + pepper – The essentials for seasoning right from the start.
- Olive oil + butter – Because flavor loves fat. Olive oil for high heat, butter for richness.
- Onion + garlic – The aromatic base that makes your kitchen smell like heaven.
- Italian seasoning – For that herby Tuscan flavor. A must-have if you love Recipes With Italian Seasoning.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Sweet, tangy, and just a little chewy. Make sure they’re drained if packed in oil.
- Baby spinach – Tender greens that wilt perfectly into the sauce. Perfect if you love Chicken Cutlets With Spinach dishes.
- Heavy cream + chicken broth (or white wine) – The base of that dreamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a salty, creamy finish.
- Fresh parsley – Optional but pretty for garnish.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This recipe is all about layering flavor in the skillet. Here’s how to make it happen:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season both sides of your chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate — they’ll finish in the sauce later.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in your diced onion. Sauté until soft, then add garlic for about 30 seconds (don’t burn it — garlic burns fast!). Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Goodness
Pour in the chicken broth or wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to pick up those flavorful brown bits. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Finish with Spinach + Chicken
Add the baby spinach and stir until it wilts. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over top, and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
Boom — Fully Cooked Chicken Recipes win again.
Pro Tips for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Success
- Even thickness is key. Slice or pound your chicken so it cooks evenly. No one wants overcooked edges and raw centers.
- Don’t rush the sear. Let the chicken sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes before flipping for that golden crust.
- Thicker sauce? Whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of flour or cornstarch while simmering. It’ll cling to the chicken perfectly.
- Want crispy chicken? Dredge the cutlets in seasoned breadcrumbs before searing for an extra crunch.
- Taste as you go. Especially when seasoning the sauce — Parmesan can be salty, so go slow.
Fun Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to mix things up:
- Swap the protein. Try salmon or even shrimp for a Tuscan seafood vibe.
- Add veggies. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts play really well here.
- Make it cheesy. Add a sprinkle of mozzarella before serving for extra melty goodness.
- Turn it into pasta. Toss cooked penne or fettuccine right into the skillet for an instant one-pan dinner — perfect if you love Creamy Chicken Tenderloin Recipes that double as pasta dishes.
Best Ways to Serve
You’ve got options! This creamy skillet chicken loves company:
- Over pasta – The classic choice. Fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne.
- With rice – White, brown, or wild rice all soak up the sauce nicely.
- Low-carb style – Serve over cauliflower rice or with a side salad.
- Bread, please! A crusty loaf for swiping up every last drop is non-negotiable.
Quick Storage + Leftover Tips
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Yes, you can freeze it! Just cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Just make sure they’re pounded to even thickness so they cook evenly.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce, store separately, then reheat together just before serving.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap the cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
There you have it — creamy, dreamy, flavorful chicken in half an hour. If you’ve been searching for Fun Appetizers To Make or Meals For Party that double as easy weeknight dinners, this skillet masterpiece is it. And if you want to watch it come together in real time, check out the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Video I shared — it’ll make you hungry in seconds.
Who knew a simple skillet meal could feel so restaurant-worthy? Go ahead, make this your next weeknight winner. Print
Fully Cooked Chicken Recipes | Creamy Tuscan-Style Chicken in 30 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Juicy pan-seared chicken cutlets swimming in a silky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach — this Creamy Tuscan Chicken is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of. It’s rich, comforting, and fancy-looking, but you can pull it off in just half an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For a flavorful sear.
- 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness to the chicken.
- Salt & black pepper – To season everything just right.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – About 2 large, sliced into thinner cutlets.
- 1 small onion, finely diced – Builds the aromatic base.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Sweet and tangy pops of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings those Tuscan vibes.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The luscious base of the sauce.
- ¼ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine) – Adds depth and balances the cream.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Nutty, salty, cheesy goodness.
- 1–2 cups baby spinach – For a pop of color and freshness.
- Fresh parsley – Optional, but makes it look restaurant-worthy.
Instructions
- Slice & Season the Chicken
- Butterfly the chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thin pieces. Pat dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear to Perfection
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Build the Flavor Base
- In the same skillet, toss in the onion and cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and let it cook just 30 seconds more. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, letting the flavors mingle.
- Create the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth (or wine) and scrape up any golden bits from the pan — that’s where the flavor is hiding! Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce gently bubble for 2–3 minutes until it starts to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Bring It All Together
- Add the spinach and stir until it wilts down into the sauce. Nestle the chicken back into the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top to coat it completely.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil if you’d like, then serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a full meal.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce: Whisk in a teaspoon or two of cornstarch or flour while the sauce is simmering.
- Add extra veggies: Mushrooms or bell peppers sauté beautifully with the onions and make the dish heartier.
- Serving ideas: This chicken is delicious over buttered noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies for a lighter option.
- Storing leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 132 mg